Odisha
Puri & Konark Travel Guide
The Jagannath Temple town, a beach and the Konark Sun Temple.
- Best months Oct–Mar
- Ideal trip length 2–3 days
Puri and Konark lie on the Odisha coast and combine a major Hindu pilgrimage town with a UNESCO World Heritage temple. Puri is home to the Jagannath Temple and a long sandy beach, while the Konark Sun Temple, about 35 km away, is famed for its chariot-shaped stone architecture. Chilika Lake is also within reach. Plan two to three days.
Best time to visit
Recommended
October to March is the most comfortable season, with pleasant days and cooler evenings. The Rath Yatra, usually held in June or July, draws very large crowds and needs early planning. Summers are hot and humid, and the monsoon and cyclone season can bring heavy rain and rough seas, so check weather advisories before travel.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, roughly 60 km from Puri, with flights from many Indian cities. Taxis and buses link the airport to Puri and Konark.
Puri has its own railway station, with trains from Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Delhi and other major cities. Bhubaneswar is the other main railhead and is well connected.
Puri is about 60 km from Bhubaneswar by road. A scenic coastal road, often called Marine Drive, links Puri and Konark. Taxis, buses and local shared transport run on this route.
Where to stay
Puri has a wide range of stays, from pilgrim guesthouses near the temple to beachfront hotels. Rooms fill up quickly around Rath Yatra and major festivals, so book early. Konark has simpler options, and many visitors visit it as a day trip from Puri.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Jagannath Temple
A major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Entry to the inner temple is restricted to Hindus, and non-Hindu visitors are generally able to view it only from outside; check current rules locally.
- 2
Puri Beach
A wide sandy beach beside the town, popular at sunrise and for the lively evening crowd. Swim only in areas marked as safe and watched by lifeguards, as currents can be strong.
- 3
Konark Sun Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage monument built as a giant stone chariot with carved wheels and sculptures, about 35 km from Puri.
- 4
Rath Yatra
The annual chariot festival, usually in June or July, in which huge wooden chariots are pulled along the main road of Puri.
- 5
Chilika Lake
A large coastal lagoon within reach of Puri, known for its birdlife and boat trips. Birds are most numerous in the cooler months.
- 6
Puri-Konark Marine Drive
A scenic coastal road between the two towns, with stretches of casuarina trees and quieter beaches along the way.
Food to try
Puri is known for mahaprasad, the temple offering that is eaten as sacred food. Other local favourites include khaja, a layered sweet, and chhena poda, a baked cottage-cheese dessert. Seafood is widely available at beach restaurants outside the temple area.
Travel tips
- Check the current rules for entry and photography at the Jagannath Temple before you go, and respect the restrictions on who may enter.
- Swim only in guarded areas of the beach and follow lifeguard advice, as the surf and currents can be dangerous.
- Book rooms and travel well ahead for Rath Yatra and other festivals, and expect heavy crowds.
- Dress modestly at temples and avoid littering on the beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Hindus enter the Jagannath Temple?
Entry to the inner temple is restricted to Hindus. Non-Hindus can usually see the temple from outside and from nearby viewpoints, but rules can change, so check locally.
How far is Konark from Puri?
Konark is about 35 km from Puri, roughly an hour by road along the coastal route. Many visitors make it a day trip.
When is the Rath Yatra?
It is held in the month of Ashadha, usually in June or July. The date changes every year, so check the official Odisha Tourism announcements.
Official sources
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.